Two young blind Indian musicians Prem (25) and Jyothi (19) due to arrive in Scotland as part of a UK/India cultural exchange programme set up by the UK government in 2017, have been refused entry into the UK.     They were travelling with a group of people from the disability organisation, Devasitham Charitable Foundation based in Chennai.  Their non disabled colleagues, who were supporting them, were granted entry. However, the Home Office refused the visa applications of these two young disabled people due to their economic and family circumstances stating that it is "not satisfied that you have sufficient ties in India that will act as an incentive for you to leave the UK at the end of your trip”.   

The cultural exchange programme hosted by the Scottish charity, Paragon Music, with funding from the British Council, Creative Scotland and the Scottish Government was designed specifically to address the barriers faced by disabled people when trying to participate in cultural activities.  So the views and experiences of the very people that have been refused entry to the UK were absolutely crucial to the success of the two week exchange programme which has now had to be cancelled.

Help us to reverse the Home Office decision so that Prem and Jyothi can join their fellow non disabled musicians on this exchange visit to Scotland with Paragon Music.  Let them bring the gifts of harmony and oneness with their beautiful music from Chennai so they can share it here in the UK with those of us that listen! 

Please sign this petition!